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Sciatica often results from the sciatic nerve getting squeezed which in turn causes pain, numbness or a tingling down the leg or the foot. This pain is a result of a nerve in the lower back being poked by one of the spinal vertebrae. But it can also originate in the piriformis muscle because the nerve runs directly through this tissue. The doctor should be consulted while experiencing pain as a result of a herniated disc or other back injury.

Strengthening and stretching the muscles in the lower back may relieve the pain, but caution should be taken not to overdo this as it might a cause further injury. Listed below are some Yoga postures which can be practiced to provide some reprieve to sciatica nerve pain.

1. This yoga pigeon position involves lying flat the back and putting both legs straight up in the air after this, the right ankle should be placed onto the left leg, just above the knee so that it forms a figure of 4 shape then right hand should be placed through the space between the legs and the other hand should be held such that it stretches round the left leg to meet it. After it becomes comfortable to hold the hands together the left leg should be bent in such a way that the right hip starts to stretch. This position should be held for about half a minute.
2. Another technique is to lie down on the back with the left knee up and placing the left foot flat on the floor. The right leg should be brought up as far as comfortable. Also the pelvis should be kept flat. The thigh should be held while flexing the foot so as to stretch the hamstring and calf. Once some tension in the body is being felt, this position should be held for about 10 seconds. This should be repeated a few times after a bit of relaxation. Then the leg should be let down slowly and the same thing should be repeated with the other leg as well.

For patients suffering from sciatica, who have not doing much exercise for past few years, these exercises should be done steadily and slowly. Being hasty might result in further injury. Practicing these exercises regularly will make the body less stiff and also helps strengthening it.

But one thing should be bore in mind that these exercises are not a permanent cure and only helps in relieving the pain temporarily. These problems along with the pain tend to return after some time if the problems are not accessed and addressed properly.